Brendan Rodgers believes skipper Steven Gerrard can go back to the future.

Boss Rodgers used his inspirational midfielder in a deep-lying holding role during the Reds' impressive victory at Stoke on Sunday, and believes it is a position that will allow the 33-year-old to prolong his career.

Asked if the role is the way forward for England captain Gerrard, Rodgers replied: “I think at this stage of his career it could.

“I have spoken a lot to him about it. It was just about the timing of him playing him the role. I just feel he’s someone who fits the profile of that role.

“That position is perfect for him. He’s got the personality to play it. When you play in that controlling role, you need someone who can get on the ball.

“He gives us great variety with his passing - it allows him to stretch the game with his vision and quality, and he has shown great leadership there too, blocking lines of passing and controlling from there.”

* LIVERPOOL will visit Bournemouth in the FA Cup's fourth round on Saturday January 25 after the Championship side beat League Two Burton 4-1 in a third-round replay on Tuesday.